Ezekiel 37

Resurrection

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Ezekiel 37:3–14

Ezekiel sees dry bones receive sinews, flesh, skin and breath and stand up alive. It promises Israel's restoration, and latter-day revelation says it also shows the literal resurrection, which is possible because Jesus Christ broke the bands of death; when He rose, graves were opened and many saints came forth.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by D&C 138:43 — Ezekiel "was shown in vision the great valley of dry bones, which were to be clothed upon with flesh, to come forth again in the resurrection of the dead."
• fulfilled by Matthew 27:52-53 — "The graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose" after His resurrection.

Stick of Judah and Stick of Joseph

Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: Ezekiel 37:16–20

Latter-day Saints understand the stick of Judah as the Bible and the stick of Joseph as the Book of Mormon, joined as one in the Lord's hand. The two records together make known that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by D&C 27:5 — Moroni was sent to reveal "the record of the stick of Ephraim."
• alluded to by 2 Nephi 3:12 — The writings of Joseph and of Judah "shall grow together."
• alluded to by 1 Nephi 13:40-41 — The records make known "that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father" and "shall be established in one."

David My Servant, King and One Shepherd

David — "beloved"

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: Ezekiel 37:22–25

The reunited people will have one King and one Shepherd from David's line who reigns "for ever." Only Jesus Christ, the Son of David, can be a prince forever; the angel promised Mary that He would receive the throne of David and reign without end.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — "The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David... of his kingdom there shall be no end."
• fulfilled by John 10:16 — "One fold, and one shepherd."
• the same title in Ezekiel 34:23-24 — "One shepherd... even my servant David."

God Dwelling with His People

Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. Ezekiel 37:26–28

The LORD promises an everlasting covenant and His sanctuary and tabernacle among His people forever. John says the Word "dwelt among us," and Revelation describes the final day when the tabernacle of God is with men, the promise of Christ's presence with His covenant people.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Revelation 21:3 — "The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people."
• alluded to by John 1:14 — "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."